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Crane Companies, The ELD Mandate and Fleet Management Software

According to a live survey at last week’s SC&RA Crane and Rigging Workshop, nearly 70% of attendees are yet to install and ELD solution on their cranes. An additional study conducted by a third party found that 60% of commercial fleets are still monitoring HOS with paper logs.

We left the session on ELDs scratching our heads, why are so many crane companies lagging behind? There are many reasons why crane companies haven’t finalized a solution, but we think the primary reason ties to concerns over costs and return on investment (ROI). Concerns over the initial investment / ROI in a fleet management system is a theme that has come up over and over in conversations with fleet owners in the crane industry.

Despite the fact that concern over ROI is a hurdle we are constantly trying to overcome in our sales process, we think it’s excellent that fleet owners are seriously evaluating their costs compared to revenue. It shows maturity and a commitment to healthy growth in the crane industry. We’re excited that crane companies are seriously evaluating their operations.

The ELD Mandate and Fleet Management Software

But what we want our customers, prospects and every fleet owner in the industry to know is that implementing an ELD mandate solution doesn’t have to be so costly or complicated thanks to fleet management software. While the initial investment can inspire some sticker shock, the ultimate ROI is extremely high.

For current customers, the Fleet Cost & Care systems already capture the information you need for ELD compliance. All you have to do is purchase the ELD hardware and we can integrate with it seamlessly. There is no need to purchase additional software.

For prospects and other crane companies yet to implement a fleet management system, Fleet Cost & Care is the most comprehensive option on the market. We lead the industry with saturation in the ACT Top 100 of more than 40%. Our system will not only help you achieve compliance with the ELD mandate, it will help you improve the way your operation runs throughout every department.

But don’t take our word for it. Our customers are happy to tell the story for us. Here’s what John Schwalm, CIO with the ALL Family of Companies and Alex Clark, SVP at Axis Crane have to say about our systems:

“Thanks to the comprehensive NexGen system every department in our company has become more efficient by increasing the speed and accuracy of scheduling jobs and invoicing customers. NexGen has also enabled us to closely monitor our expenses for maintenance, repairs and purchasing. ALL Crane has come to trust the reliability of Fleet Cost & Care products and personnel.” – John Schwalm

Our staff in the field uses the Atom mobile application to capture e-signatures, perform safety checklists, check in and out of job sites, and so much more. Since switching to the Fleet Cost & Care system, our staff saves hours every week.” – Alex Clark

Below is more information on who is exempt for the ELD mandate and possible penalties for non-compliance.

ELD Mandate Exemptions

You are required by law to have and ELD solution in place by December 18th, 2017 for any drivers to who DO NOT fall under the following exemptions:

Drivers/Operators who use paper RODS for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period

Drivers/Operators who operate drive-away-tow-away operations (this does not include cranes)

Drivers/Operators of vehicles manufactured before 2000

ELD Mandate Penalties

Many crane and heavy equipment rental companies don’t realize that the majority of their drivers and operators will fall into non-compliance at one point or another. The penalties for non-compliance are still in the works, but many are speculating that consequences will be enforced with zero tolerance and could be as severe as a shutdown.

The FMCSA is set to release ELD mandate penalty information soon, and will update as soon as we have more information.

Whether you’re a current customer of Fleet Cost & Care or not, contact us today to discuss your options for complying with the ELD mandate.